As the reader, we get to see Jem move away from childish and naive notions about the world and toward a more mature one. His view of his father is part of that growing up. Atticus begins to impress his son, more and more it seems, as his father is caught up in the trouble that comes from the trial. One example is when Jem learns that his father was a crack shot with a rifle; a fact that he never knew since his father did not keep guns. In the end he sees his father as a perfect role model and tries to live up to that.
